Escape to Bliss: Beholden Stay & Cafe, Manali - Your Himalayan Haven Awaits!
Escape to Bliss: Beholden Stay & Cafe - Manali: A Review (and a Rant… in a Good Way!)
Okay, so let's talk Manali. Picturesque, right? Snow-capped mountains, winding roads, the whole shebang. But finding a real haven, a place that isn't just another cookie-cutter hotel, that’s the challenge. That’s where Escape to Bliss: Beholden Stay & Cafe comes in. And, honestly? They’re almost there. Let me break it down, because this place is a tapestry of awesome and… well, let's just say "opportunities for improvement."
First Impressions & the “Oh, Wow!” Factor:
Look, I'm a sucker for a view. And Escape to Bliss delivers. The "Pool with View" is the killer feature. Imagine this: crisp mountain air, a shimmering pool (yep, Swimming pool [outdoor] is a go!), and the Himalayas stretching out before you. Forget your worries, right there. They also have a Terrace, perfect for a sunset chai and existential pondering. I spent a good hour just staring, letting the sheer scale of the mountains dissolve any lingering anxieties. Pure bliss.
The Room Rhapsody (and a Minor Hiccup):
The room itself (mine was a Non-smoking one, thank goodness!) was… nice. More than nice, actually. They've clearly put thought into it. The Air conditioning was a godsend (though, honestly, you don't always need it in Manali!), along with the Free Wi-Fi (Internet access – wireless in action!). The Bed was comfy, the Pillows fluffy, the Blackout curtains actually worked (a small victory, but a victory nonetheless!). They even had a Coffee/tea maker, which is essential for this caffeine addict.
Now, here comes the “almost perfect” part. My Internet access – LAN (and I assume, Internet in general) was a bit… spotty. Like, dial-up era spotty. So if you're relying on the Internet for work, maybe download some shows beforehand. But hey, maybe that's part of the appeal? A digital detox, forced upon you by the mountains? Who am I to argue? Oh, and while we're at it, the Mirror in my room was… well, it needed a good clean. Petty, I know, but it’s the little things that add up!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – An Adventure (with a Few Bumps):
Okay, here's where Escape to Bliss could really knock it out of the park. The restaurants are decent. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, with the usual Western breakfast options alongside some Asian breakfast staples. I always appreciate a good dosa. However, the Coffee shop could be better. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was fine but not mind-blowing. I'm a coffee snob, I admit it. The Poolside bar was a nice touch, perfect for grabbing a beer after a swim. They also had a Snack bar, which was handy.
One evening, I decided to try the A la carte in restaurant. The menu promised something special, and when it arrived… well, the presentation was beautiful. Truly Instagrammable (I know, I know, judge me). But the taste? A bit… bland. My partner had the Indian dish, with a spice level that was a bit too mild for our taste. We were a little disappointed.
The Relaxing Rhythms (and My Sauna Fail):
This is where Escape to Bliss tries really hard to win you over. The Spa/sauna, and all the related options - Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom - are the real draw. I was so pumped to experience those, I'd been looking forward to it all day! My plan was to end the day with a Sauna session.
But, and this is a HUGE "but," I made a rookie mistake. I’d never been in a sauna before. I walked in, feeling like a pro, and immediately regretted it! I lasted approximately 5 minutes. Sweaty, claustrophobic, and utterly defeated. Face palm. This is where some Staff trained in safety protocol and directions could have been very useful.
The Practicalities – Safety, Accessibility, and All That Jazz:
- Accessibility: They’ve got some Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator, which is a good start, making some of the rooms and facilities accessible.
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is crucial right now. They’re doing a pretty good job! I saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used, Hand sanitizer readily available, and a real effort in the Rooms sanitized between stays. The Daily disinfection in common areas was also reassuring. I felt safe. They also provide Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup.
- Services and Conveniences: The Daily housekeeping was a must. The Concierge was helpful. The Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver, as I needed more money. No complaints.
- Things to do, ways to relax: The spa area has, besides the sauna, fitness center, is very enticing.
- For the Kids: The existence of a Babysitting service and Family/child friendly accommodations proves the hotel is meant for a broader category of people.
Things that Really Impressed Me:
- The View, The View, THE VIEW! Seriously, it's worth the price of admission.
- The overall vibe is relaxed and chill.
- The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.
Things That Need Improvement:
- Consistent Internet speed.
- Elevated dining experiences, improved restaurant food taste and spices.
- More clear instructions for the less-experienced guests who want to enjoy the spa, especially the sauna.
The Verdict & The Persuasive Offer (because I can't resist!):
Escape to Bliss: Beholden Stay & Cafe is a fantastic basecamp for exploring Manali. It’s not perfect, but it’s got so much potential. The location is stunning, the service is attentive, and the amenities (especially the pool with that incredible view!) are a real treat.
My Final Score: 4 out of 5 Stars (with a potential fifth star if they fix the internet and up the food game!)
HERE'S MY PERSUASIVE OFFER TO YOU:
Tired of the Ordinary? Craving a Himalayan Escape? Book Your Blissful Break NOW!
- Exclusive Offer: Book your stay at Escape to Bliss: Beholden Stay & Cafe between [DATE] and [DATE] and receive a complimentary spa treatment of your choice (excluding the sauna! 😉).
- Unbeatable Value: Starting from [PRICE], experience the breathtaking beauty of Manali from your own Himalayan haven.
- Guaranteed Relaxation: Dive into our Pool with View, unwind with a Massage, and let the majestic mountains melt your stress away.
- Seamless Experience: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi (Internet access – wireless) for your social media bragging rights (but remember to unplug too!), exceptional service, and the comfort of our thoughtfully appointed rooms.
- Safety First: Rest easy knowing we prioritize your well-being with rigorous hygiene measures and trained staff.
Don't miss out! This offer is valid for a limited time only. Click here to book your Escape to Bliss and discover the magic of the Himalayas! [LINK TO BOOKING PAGE]
Why Book Now?
- Limited availability: Rooms with the best views are filling up fast!
- Special Treat: Get that complimentary spa treatment!
- Unforgettable Memories: Start planning your adventure of a lifetime.
Stop daydreaming and start living! Book your escape to bliss today!
Gold Coast Paradise: 2BR, 2BA Oceanfront Luxury Condo!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-plotted travel itinerary. We're going to Manali, to the Beholden Stay and Cafe, and it's gonna be a glorious, messy, emotional rollercoaster. Here we go:
The Beholden Boogie: A Manali Mishmash - A "Plan"
(And by "plan," I mean a loose suggestion, a starting point. Real life, and Manali's magic, will likely do its own thing. Probably for the better.)
Day 1: Arrival… and Immediate Implosion (of my expectations, at least)
- Morning (or, What Time Did I REALLY Wake Up?): Land in Chandigarh, probably slightly hungover from that pre-trip celebration. The drive to Manali is supposed to be scenic, but I'm betting I'll sleep through half of it. Seriously, five hours? Pray for me (and the driver).
- Afternoon (or, The Beholden Beckons): Arrive at Beholden Stay & Cafe. Oh, the Instagram photos! Looks idyllic. Probably a bit… curated. My first reaction will be pure, unadulterated relief that I'm finally here. Followed by a frantic search for the Wi-Fi password. (Gotta update the 'gram, you know.)
- Checking In (and Checking My Sanity): Check into the room. Pray it's clean. Hope it's warm. Pray it's not too cramped. I'm predicting a brief moment of existential dread about having to unpack my backpack. The mountain air is already making me dizzy.
- Evening (or, Food, Glorious Food… Hopefully): Explore the cafe at Beholden. Order something utterly delicious. Will probably over-order because, well, why not? (My wallet will hate me. My stomach will thank me). Anecdote Anticipated: Will I face the dreaded "Delhi Belly" situation? Only time will tell, but I'm packing the trusty anti-nausea meds just in case. Also, I'm banking on meeting a quirky local, maybe someone with amazing travel stories.
Day 2: The Town's Embrace (and My Resistance to Exercise)
- Morning: Wake up to, hopefully, a view that inspires awe. (Or at least a decent sunrise). Attempt yoga on the balcony. Fail miserably. Blame the altitude. Blame the chai. Blame the fact I haven't stretched in, like, a year.
- Late Morning: A proper explore of Old Manali. This is where reality hits. The pristine photographs don't matter. It's about the smell of incense, the sound of rushing water, and the feeling of, oh my god, slightly being out of breath.
- Mission: Wander. Get lost. Bargain for a pashmina scarf even though I don't need a pashmina scarf. Buy a chai from a street vendor and accidentally spill half of it down my front. Embrace the chaos.
- Afternoon: Hiking…ish?: Decide (with a little peer pressure from insta-worthy friends) that a hike is a must. Reality Bites: Choose a "beginner-friendly" trail. Discover it's actually a brutal uphill climb. Emotional Reaction: Swear. A great deal. Wonder why I thought this was a good idea. Feel a grudging respect for the mountains. (And maybe buy a celebratory momos party after.)
- Evening (or, the Momos Monotony): Eat momos. Think about eating more momos. Discuss momos with anyone available. (Yes, I know it feels intense, but trust me, it's necessary.) Try some local dessert. Decide I will eat nothing but momos for the rest of my trip.
Day 3: The Solitude Experiment (and My Failures Thereof)
- Morning: The Plan: Wake up before sunrise, grab a notebook, and spend a few hours in quiet contemplation at a lookout point I read about. The Reality: Snooze my alarm three times. Wake up, reluctantly, to a grey sky. Scarf down a plate of greasy eggs and bacon (that I don't even want) at the cafe.
- Late Morning: Decide to revisit the waterfall I saw the day before. Get slightly lost. Discover a hidden cafe with even better chai than the street vendor. Suddenly, solitude seems less essential. Start a conversation with a fellow traveler. This is what matters.
- Afternoon: The plan to explore the waterfall didn't go as planned. Instead, I followed a charming little alleyway that looked like it belonged to a postcard, and found a little craft store.
- Anecdote Anticipated: The shop owner was a sweet older woman who told great stories about her life in Manali. I bought a few pieces of handmade jewelry and got a crash course on the local history of the region.
- Evening: Indulge in the best and most delicious thing I ate during the trip: The view from my window. Eat a small dinner from the cafe. Make a call to my mother just to check in. Read a book but I think that its too cold for the moment.
Day 4: The Grand Finale (and My Existential Crisis About Leaving)
- Morning: One last sunrise (hopefully) at Beholden. Drink a final cup of coffee, and savor the mountains. Emotional Reaction: A pang of sadness. The trip is ending. I don't want to leave.
- Late Morning: Reflect on my messy week. Did I do everything? Probably not. Did I enjoy myself? Absolutely, in a chaotic, slightly caffeinated way.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure I've developed a weird crush on the cafe staff. The smiles. The chai. The utter lack of judgement when I show up looking like I've been dragged through a bush.
- Afternoon: Pack. Realize I have way too many souvenirs. Try, and probably fail, to cram everything into my already overflowing backpack.
- Evening (or, The Farewell Feast): A final meal at the cafe. Say goodbye to the staff. Promise myself I'll come back. (Which I probably will, because Manali has a way of getting under your skin).
- Departure: The long drive back to Chandigarh. The start of the real trip, that I will cherish in my heart.
The Imperfections, The Rambles, The Truth
This isn't going to be a perfect trip. I'll probably be late for things, get lost, and maybe even have a minor meltdown. But that's the point. That's the beauty of travel. It's about embracing the unexpected, the messy, and the utterly human. It's about the raw feeling of a place. And it's about finding a little piece of yourself (and a whole lot of momos) along the way.
So, yeah. Manali, here I come. Wish me luck (and send extra tissues).
Kingscliff Paradise: 2 Bed, 2 Bath, HUGE Sunny Balcony & WiFi!
Escape to Bliss: Beholden Stay & Cafe - Your Himalayan Haven... Maybe? (Let's be Real Here)
Okay, First Things First: Is "Escape to Bliss" actually... bliss? Sounds a bit much, doesn't it?
Alright, let's rip off the band-aid. "Bliss"? Nah, not ALL the time. It's more like... a really *interesting* experience. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure novel, but the adventure involves breathtaking mountains, questionable WiFi, and a very strong chance you'll accidentally drink the last of the chai.
I went in expecting Instagram perfection. You know, perfectly styled rooms and endless sunsets. What I got was a room with a slightly wonky door (which, honestly, added to its charm!), a view that could make you weep, and enough dust on the window sill (mostly from that darn door!) to write your name in. One evening I was trying to meditate and the neighbor’s dog started barking and I just lost it in a fit of giggles. Bliss. Not at that precise moment, but absolutely eventually. It's raw, it's real, and more often than not, it *is* pretty damn beautiful.
The Cafe. Tell me about the food. Is this a "must-try-for-the-gram" place?
The cafe? Ah, the cafe. Okay, listen. The *views* from the cafe? Absolutely "must-try-for-the-gram." Like, seriously, the mountains look like they're posing specifically for your feed. The food, however, is a bit more... variable. One morning, I had the BEST pancakes of my life. Fluffy, perfect, doused in honey and a side of fresh fruit – it was pure joy. The next day? The pancakes were… well, let's just say they weren't their best work. A bit flat, a touch burnt. Life, right?
Their coffee is generally pretty good, though. And the momos? Don't miss the momos. They’re the true star. And the chai... ah, the chai (if you manage to get some before it runs out, which happened to me twice). Basically, roll the dice and hope for the best. But even when the food is slightly off, that view makes up for everything.
What about the Rooms? Cozy? Spooky? Just generally live-able?
“Cozy” is definitely the word. Think rustic charm, a touch of "lived-in" (read: a little dust), and a view *that is insane*. I stayed in one of the rooms that had the balcony and I don’t think I left the balcony for a whole day. I even ate from the comfort of my balcony. The beds are comfortable enough, the blankets are warm, and the hot water actually works (mostly!).
Spooky? Nah, not really. Though, I did hear some weird noises one night. Turns out it was just the wind whistling through the window. Definitely made me jump, though! But honestly, the rooms have character. They feel like they belong in the mountains, not a sterile hotel chain. It’s like staying in a friend's (very cool) mountain cabin.
WiFi. The dreaded question, which is important for many of us (and I'm not particularly proud of it). Tell me the truth.
Okay. Deep breath. The WiFi… is… a Himalayan adventure in itself. Expect it to be spotty. Expect it to disappear completely at random intervals.
Honestly, the lack of strong internet kinda turned out to be a beautiful thing. I was forced to actually *look* at the mountains instead of endlessly scrolling. I read books. I talked to the other guests. But, if you *absolutely* need to be connected, download everything beforehand, temper your expectations, and prepare to wander around in the hope of finding a better signal and just praying that god give you some juice signal.
What's the vibe like – friendly folks? Pretentious hipsters? A mix?
Definitely friendly folks. The owners and staff are genuinely warm and welcoming. They're not pretending to be something they're not. They're just… *people*. They’re happy to help, offer suggestions for hikes and stuff, and laugh along with you when the WiFi gives up the ghost.
And the other guests? A good mix, not too pretentious (thank goodness!). Travelers, backpackers, couples looking for a romantic escape, and a few digital nomads trying to make the most of the limited connection. It's a chill atmosphere. I actually ended up making friends with a sweet couple from London who gave me a good book at the end. And that’s something the Instagram couldn’t give me.
Alright, so... should I go? REALLY, should I go?
If you're looking for a perfectly polished, five-star experience, Escape to Bliss isn't it. But if you're looking for an authentic Himalayan experience, with stunning views, a dose of adventure, and a chance to unplug and *actually* connect with nature (and yourself), then ABSOLUTELY, you should go.
Just go with an open mind, a sense of humour, and a healthy dose of "that's life!". Because even with the quirks and the questionable Wifi, it's a place that will stay with you long after you leave. It’s a place that, despite its imperfections, might just steal a piece of your heart.
Tell me about the one thing that *really* struck you, good or bad. Give me the juicy details!
Okay, here’s the real deal. I’ll tell you the one thing that completely bowled me over. It wasn't even the view from the balcony (though, that was incredible). It wasn’t the momos (though I'd happily eat them every day). It was the *silence*. Like, actual, profound silence.
One evening, I sat outside on the balcony, bundled in a blanket, with a cup of warm chai (this time I got to it before anyone else did!), watching the stars. The only sound was the whisper of the wind and the distant rumble of a river. No city noises. No traffic. Just… peace. Complete and utter peace. It hit me like a physical thing. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated, "I-am-alive-and-this-is-amazing" bliss. And I hadn't felt that in… well, a very long time. That, my friends, is why I would go back again.
